Marie Claire Test-Drives The Lexus RX L 7-Seater

Warning: It’s so good, you’ll never want to get off the road
- byKate Moffatt

17 Apr
2018

Video: Gab Scanu

If the thought of a 7-seater car instantly conjures up images of soccer mums, you haven’t met the Lexus RX L.

It’s a people-mover, yes, but not as you know it. Rather than being clunky and overwhelming, it has a rather elegant air about it. From its refined interiors (think stylish wood accents) to its intuitive design, this is a car you’ll want to show off (and trust me, drivers and pedestrians alike will make way for you).

You’d expect a car of this size to be LOUD, but the hybrid motor is so whisper-quiet you’ll wonder if you even turned it on. Instead, it gently purrs in the background, allowing you to crank the volume from its 12 (yep, count ‘em) speakers instead. But make no mistake: with its powerful engine, this car positively glides up hills, leaving you waving at your fellow motorists as you shroud them in a cloud of dust.

The Lexus RX L 7-Seater

Photo: Matt Barber

Good looks and power aside, the real draw of the Lexus RX L 7-seater lies in its intuitive nature. Too lazy to get your keys out to open the doors? All you have to do it sidle up and it recognises that you’re within range, giving new meaning to the term “doors opening”. Likewise with the seat adjustment options. Once you’ve stopped the car and taken off your seat belt, your seat reclines, as does the steering wheel. The intention? To make it easier for you to get out of the car. Yes, you’ll wonder how you drove anything else.

It’s not only the driver that benefits from this intuition however: the car has been cleverly equipped with different climate control areas, ensuring those in the second and third row of seats remain cool (or warm, depending on their preference) at all times. Say sayonara to any past arguments you may have had with your partner about temperature control!

Photo: Gab Scanu

With more tech and safety features than you can poke a stick at (think multiple cameras, intuitive cruise control, 10 air bags, steering assist and blind spot monitor) this may be the SUV to end all SUVs – so if you’re in the market for a 7-seater that doesn’t look (or act!) like a small bus, this is a winner.